Detection of Airborne Spores at Coconut Area in Bukit Kor Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia

The Coconut plant (Cocos nucifera L.) is an annual plant with many benefits. In addition to consumption, other parts of the coconut plant can also be used as indus. One of the obstacles in the cultivation of coconut plants is disease. Airborne spores often cause the spread of plant diseases. This study aimed to determine what spores are airborne in coconut plots in Bukit Kor, Terengganu, Malaysia. Spore samples were observed in September 2023 at the Bukit Kor Agricultural Complex laboratory, Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia, at 35 meters above sea level. This study uses a completely randomized design (CRD) method. The results showed that the spore colony samples observed were Culvularia and Pestaloptiosis fungal groups that can cause disease in coconut plants. This study concludes that the spores spread in the air in the form of Culvularia and Pestalotiopsi, which can cause disease and potentially infect other plants. Also, the spore colonies can grow optimally if the surrounding humidity is high enough, and their distribution can expand with the help of wind.